Simba host newbies in CAFCL opener

Simba will play host to JS Saoura in a Caf Champions League group stage clash at the National Stadium in Dar Es Salaam on Saturday afternoon.

Kick-off is at 15h00 CAT.

The 19-time league champions in Tanzania - Simba - are back in the group stages of Africa's premier club competitions for the first time in 15 years, and they will make their return with a home showdown against the tournament newbies.

JS Saoura have climbed through the divisions in Algeria at a rapid pace over the past few seasons and now find themselves among the elite. The two clubs are joined in Group D by Democratic Republic of Congo giants AS Vita and eight-time CAFCL champions Al Ahly.

Simba defender Sergie Wawa is hoping for a positive start to life back in Africa's top-tier competition.

“It is the advantage that we play our first group phase game at home, and with the big support of our fans we will work much harder to get three points,” Wawa told CAF Online.

Head coach Patrick Aussems added: "Our opponents might see us as underdogs but that is the advantage for us. Our first target was to reach the group phase but now we need to fight and see what we can do in our group."